夏季小儿CoughWhat to do

Under normal circumstances, children's cough in summer may be caused by dry respiratory tract, inhalation of irritant gases, colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and adopt general treatment and drug therapy under the guidance of a doctor. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Dry Respiratory Tract

In summer, high temperatures and relatively low humidity can cause moisture loss from the mucous membranes of children's respiratory tracts, making them dry and stimulating nerve endings, which may trigger cough reflexes. Regular use of humidifiers can help increase indoor air humidity, ideally maintaining it between 40%-60%. Encourage children to drink more water and consume more fruits and vegetables rich in moisture to keep the respiratory mucous membranes moist.

2. Inhalation of Irritant Gases

There are many irritant substances in the summer environment, such as pollen, dust, smoke, and chemical vapors. Children's respiratory tracts are particularly sensitive, and inhalation of these substances can irritate the mucous membranes, causing coughing. During periods of severe air pollution or pollen dispersion, reduce children's outdoor activities as much as possible. Maintain indoor cleanliness by regular cleaning to reduce dust accumulation.

3. Colds

Colds are usually caused by viral infections. In summer, children frequently move between air-conditioned rooms and outdoor environments, where significant temperature differences can reduce the defensive function of the respiratory mucosa, making it easier for viruses to invade and cause infections. This may lead to congestion, swelling of the respiratory mucosa, production of inflammatory exudates, and symptoms such as coughing, nasal congestion, and runny nose. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as children's paracetamol and chlorpheniramine granules, ribavirin granules, and amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium dry suspension may be used for treatment.

4. Bronchitis

Bronchitis is often caused by infections with pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, or mycoplasma. In summer, children's respiratory resistance decreases, making it easier for pathogens to infect the bronchi. Inflammation can stimulate the bronchial mucosa, increasing secretions and causing smooth muscle spasms, potentially leading to coughing, sputum production, wheezing, and other symptoms. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as acetylcysteine granules, levosalbutamol sulfate nebulizing solution, and children's lung-heat cough and asthma oral liquid for treatment.

5. Pneumonia

Common pathogens include bacteria, viruses, mycoplasma, etc. In summer, improper use of air conditioning and low immunity can make children prone to pneumonia. When the lungs become inflamed, alveoli and bronchi fill with inflammatory exudates, obstructing gas exchange and stimulating respiratory receptors, causing coughing, along with symptoms such as rapid breathing and chest pain. Patients may follow doctors' recommendations to use medications such as azithromycin dry suspension, ambroxol oral solution, and ceftriaxone sodium for injection for treatment.

In daily life, it is important to maintain indoor air circulation and appropriate temperature and humidity. Strengthen children's physical exercise to enhance their constitution and improve immunity. Pay attention to children's dietary hygiene, balance their diet, avoid excessive consumption of raw, cold, spicy, or greasy foods, and ensure balanced nutrition.